Volunteer: Travel Size Toiletries NeededHelp with hygiene kits that support families through difficult moments. Every person who walks through our doors deserves to to be treated with kindness — and something as simple as a travel-size shampoo or a fresh toothbrush can be the first small comfort someone experiences during their hardest days. As a Toiletry Drive Volunteer, you'll be helping us keep a steady supply of these essentials on hand for families we serve. What you'll do: Organize a collection drive at your workplace, school, congregation, or neighborhood Set up and monitor a donation bin Deliver collected items to Families Forward (We will organize it.)Most-needed items: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash Toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste Deodorant, bar soap, and lotion Feminine hygiene products Combs, razors, and washclothsGood fit for: Individuals, families, workplace teams, faith groups, scout troops, and community organizations looking for a flexible, low-lift way to make a tangible impact. Time commitment: Flexible — from a one-week office collection to an ongoing monthly drive. Why it matters: Hygiene items are among the most requested items. Your drive directly stocks the items available to families we serve daily. Donations can be dropped off at:Families Forward Bidwell Pantry 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315Hours: 9:30am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday or by appointment (contact Missy below)Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by phone at 515-989-8404, or by text at 515-346-8895. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.Organization: Families Forward Help with hygiene kits that support families through difficult moments. Every person who walks through our doors deserves to to be treated with kindness — and something as simple as a travel-size shampoo or a fresh toothbrush can be the first small comfort someone experiences during their hardest days. As a Toiletry Drive Volunteer, you'll be helping us keep a steady supply of these essentials on hand for families we serve. What you'll do: Organize a collection drive at your workplace, school, congregation, or neighborhood Set up and monitor a donation bin Deliver collected items to Families Forward (We will organize it.)Most-needed items: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and body wash Toothbrushes and travel-size toothpaste Deodorant, bar soap, and lotion Feminine hygiene products Combs, razors, and washclothsGood fit for: Individuals, families, workplace teams, faith groups, scout troops, and community organizations looking for a flexible, low-lift way to make a tangible impact. Time commitment: Flexible — from a one-week office collection to an ongoing monthly drive. Why it matters: Hygiene items are among the most requested items. Your drive directly stocks the items available to families we serve daily. Donations can be dropped off at:Families Forward Bidwell Pantry 1203 Hartford Avenue, Des Moines Iowa 50315Hours: 9:30am - 4:00pm Monday through Friday or by appointment (contact Missy below)Questions: Contact Missy Reams at missy@familiesforward.org, or by phone at 515-989-8404, or by text at 515-346-8895. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Is Ongoing Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: Yes |
Volunteer: Family Day of Service Volunteer EventsFamily Day of Service: After School Snack Bags & Hygiene Kits Assembly
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Bring your family or anyone you call family and join us for a day of giving back! Families of all kinds and all ages are welcome to participate—whether that's parents and kids, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, or your chosen family. Children of all ages are welcome.
Together, we'll assemble breakfast packs, after-school snack packs, and hygiene packs to support individuals and families in our community. This is a fun, hands-on opportunity to spend time together while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighborsDates and shifts include: Tuesday, September 15th 5:30pm - 6:45pm - pack assemblyTuesday, September 15th 6:00pm - 7:15pm - pack assemblyFriday, September 18th 12:45pm - 2:15pm - distributing packsSaturday, September 19th 10:00am - 11:15am - pack assemblySaturday, September 19th 10:00am - 11:30am - 12:45pm - pack assemblyMonday, September 28th 12:45pm - 2:15pm - distributing packsEvent Information: Pack Assembly includes: stuffing bags with items for the kits and adding notes of encouragement. Pack Distribution includes: handing out the packs in our pantry lobby at a table to pantry guests.Questions? Contact Missy Reams @familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. A volunteer orientation is provided upon arrival. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.
Organization: Families Forward Family Day of Service: After School Snack Bags & Hygiene Kits Assembly
Click Here to Sign Up!
Bring your family or anyone you call family and join us for a day of giving back! Families of all kinds and all ages are welcome to participate—whether that's parents and kids, grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, or your chosen family. Children of all ages are welcome.
Together, we'll assemble breakfast packs, after-school snack packs, and hygiene packs to support individuals and families in our community. This is a fun, hands-on opportunity to spend time together while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighborsDates and shifts include: Tuesday, September 15th 5:30pm - 6:45pm - pack assemblyTuesday, September 15th 6:00pm - 7:15pm - pack assemblyFriday, September 18th 12:45pm - 2:15pm - distributing packsSaturday, September 19th 10:00am - 11:15am - pack assemblySaturday, September 19th 10:00am - 11:30am - 12:45pm - pack assemblyMonday, September 28th 12:45pm - 2:15pm - distributing packsEvent Information: Pack Assembly includes: stuffing bags with items for the kits and adding notes of encouragement. Pack Distribution includes: handing out the packs in our pantry lobby at a table to pantry guests.Questions? Contact Missy Reams @familiesforward.org or by phone at 515-989-8404. A volunteer orientation is provided upon arrival. About Families Forward: Families Forward (previously Bidwell Riverside Center and Hawthorn Hill) has four main programs: Bidwell Pantry, Child Development Center, New Directions Shelter (emergency housing), and The Home Connection (long-term housing). For over 100 years, our mission has been to provide compassionate, life-changing assistance to families and their path to self-sufficiency.
Organization: Families Forward Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Sep 15, 2026 through Sep 28, 2026 Zip Code: 50315 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 9/11 Day of Service9/11 Day of Service | Meals from the Heartland September 11 is a day our nation remembers with reflection, gratitude, and respect. We honor the lives lost, recognize the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and remember the countless individuals who came together to help their neighbors in the days that followed. At Meals from the Heartland, that same spirit of service is at the heart of our mission. Every meal packaged by volunteers is an act of compassion, providing nourishment to families facing food insecurity and communities recovering from disasters and times of crisis. Join us for a Day of Service as we gather to honor 9/11 through meaningful action. Together, we'll package meals, recognize those who dedicate their lives to serving others, and celebrate the power of community to bring hope, healing, and resilience. Event Schedule 9:30–11:30 a.m. - Meal Packaging Shift11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - Community Remembrance Event1:00–3:00 p.m. - Meal Packaging ShiftBecause even in our hardest moments, we are strongest when we serve one another. Organization: Meals from the Heartland 9/11 Day of Service | Meals from the Heartland September 11 is a day our nation remembers with reflection, gratitude, and respect. We honor the lives lost, recognize the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call, and remember the countless individuals who came together to help their neighbors in the days that followed. At Meals from the Heartland, that same spirit of service is at the heart of our mission. Every meal packaged by volunteers is an act of compassion, providing nourishment to families facing food insecurity and communities recovering from disasters and times of crisis. Join us for a Day of Service as we gather to honor 9/11 through meaningful action. Together, we'll package meals, recognize those who dedicate their lives to serving others, and celebrate the power of community to bring hope, healing, and resilience. Event Schedule 9:30–11:30 a.m. - Meal Packaging Shift11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - Community Remembrance Event1:00–3:00 p.m. - Meal Packaging ShiftBecause even in our hardest moments, we are strongest when we serve one another. Organization: Meals from the Heartland Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 50265 Allow Groups: Yes |